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LS Swap Starter won't spin

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Old 07-26-2016, 07:59 PM
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Default LS Swap Starter won't spin

Weird issue I am having with my LS Swap'd E30. Finally got to the point to try to start it and ran into an issue. The starter will not spin the bendix will initiate into the flywheel but will not spin and then when I let off the key it clicks back. Now I have tested the battery it is good. I tried a new starter still the same thing. I added extra grounds still does the same thing. Last ditch effort I jumped the battery and it still did the same thing. So I wanted to get your opinion of things to try. At this point I think it is one of two things either the starter isn't aligned correctly and needs shims or the bmw ignition is not sending enough amps to the starter. But I was told that LS starters don't typically need shims. I added a video below any insight you have would be appreciated.

Old 07-26-2016, 10:04 PM
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Have tried turning it over by hand, socket on the balancer bolt?
Old 07-27-2016, 07:16 AM
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Yeah the motor cranks over by hand fine
Old 07-27-2016, 01:29 PM
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This is going to sound like a dumb question but you do have the big wire (min 2 gauge) going direct from the positive battery post to the large terminal on the starter right?
Old 07-27-2016, 01:44 PM
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Not necessarily the battery is in the trunk but I have it hooked up to the designated wire on my standalone wiring harness. should I try to directly hook it up?
Old 07-27-2016, 01:59 PM
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That's why you only get a click. The 12V from the ignition switch goes to the small terminal to engage the solenoid.

The starter motor should have a large gauge wire direct to the large terminal on the starter.
Old 07-27-2016, 02:11 PM
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Do people not normally use the wire that is designated for it on a standalone swap harness?
Old 07-27-2016, 02:17 PM
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Here is a thread that may help https://ls1tech.com/forums/conversio...er-wiring.html

There are two wires required for the starter to function, the one from your harness and the main power cable to the battery.
Old 07-28-2016, 07:11 AM
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Ah I'm an idiot thanks for the help
Old 08-05-2016, 04:22 PM
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Ok got the starter working and the car fires up but won't stay running I have VATS turned off and the fuel pump is on and stays running after cranking it so I'm back lost. I have tried with the maf plugged in and with it not. The tune is for a ls1 map and I am using a truck map could that be the cause?

Here is a video of what it is doing



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